Yellow Ribbon Program

mission

Our mission is to provide Service Members and their Families and Supporters with services, proactive outreach opportunities, reintegration and communication skills throughout each phase of their deployment cycle. It is our vision to have the DoD Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program provide support and communications to each member of the Missouri National Guard, regardless of their service affiliation and open doors to other branches too.

When it comes to the deployment phase, we strive to be there from beginning to end, from dusk to dawn, through smiles and frowns. The intent of the program is to prepare National Guard and Reserve members and their families for deployment; sustain their families during deployment; and reintegrate Service Members with their families, communities and employers upon re-deployment or release from active duty in various fun-filled ways.

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program helps Service Members and their Families navigate the numerous Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs and state systems to ensure they receive information and assistance regarding all the skills, benefits and entitlements with an interactive, integrating experience. The full scope of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is beyond an easily presentable list.

Timeline

Event 1

Pre-deployment events are designed to prepare the service member and their family and friends for all aspects of deployment; emotionally, financially, organizationally, beneficially, etc. Yellow Ribbon provides you with briefings that contain up-to-date information on how your benefits will change as you convert to Active Duty status, and how you can take advantage of them during this process. It will also connect you with points of contact to retrieve details, get questions answered and gain clarification on the process and programs available. We pride ourselves on making it a joyful experience for all attendees and look forward to servicing you!

Event 2

Reunion previews are designed to prepare family and friends for reuniting with service members upon arrival home. This event provides briefings concerning reconnection and programs available to assist with obstacles you may encounter. An open discussion is available to communicate with one another (including tips, tricks and at-hand situations, both desirable and challenging).

Event 3

The Phase I Post-Deployment Event is intended to provide returning service members and their families information about new benefits they have access to now that they’ve returned home, as well as information on changes to benefits they had while they were deployed. Additionally, subject matter experts help service members and their supporters reconnect, and provide information on assimilating experiences from their deployment in a positive manner.

Event 4

The Phase II Post-Deployment Event is designed to provide service members and their families with additional information on their benefits, especially those that change or end over time. More time is spent on reconnecting service members and families, and time is provided with subject matter experts to discuss continuing or developing issues following deployment.

Q & A

Is participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program mandatory for Service Members?

Yes, all Yellow Ribbon events are mandatory per the mandate given by Congrss in 2008. Only the Commander can excuse a Service Member on the occassion that the Service Member has prior obligations, such as school. The Service Member is, however, required to attend another event to make up attendance.

As a Service Member, am I required to attend all briefings?

Yes, all attendees are on orders and in an official duty capacity when attending. Soldiers attend in IDT status. They are essentially “drilling at an alternate location”. Airmen attend on FTNGD-OTD (ST) Orders.

As a Supporter/Family Member, am I required to attend all briefings?

If you are on Individual Travel Authorizations / Orders and planning to fill out a DD 1351-2 (Travel Voucher for reimbursement), then you must attend all briefings.

What is the dress code for Service Members and Supporters?

Service Members’ dress code can vary depending on the Command. Typically Service Members are required to wear ACUs / ABUs on Saturday and business casual on Sunday. Supporters must wear business casual Saturday and Sunday. (Business casual can include jeans, if they are in respectable condition. No cut-offs, jeans with holes, or profane or revealing attire.) Please contact the Yellow Ribbon office for specific details on your event.